Preview: Diamondbacks at Giants

July 21, 2013|Reuters

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Preview: Diamondbacks at Giants

Arizona needs some timely hitting Sunday to avoid a series sweep against the host San Francisco Giants, who have won five of their last six games to climb within 4 1/2 games of the National League West-leading Diamondbacks. Arizona, which is 3-for-29 with runners in scoring position in its last five games, has had its lead over the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers shrink to one-half game. Adam Eaton has recorded five hits in 24 at-bats since coming off the disabled list.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy would welcome a long outing from starter Madison Bumgarner after using seven relievers in Saturday's 4-3 triumph. Bochy likely will be without left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, who left the win with a left groin strain and appears headed to the disabled list. The Giants have won 17 of their last 25 meetings with Arizona, including eight of 11 this season.

Delgado may move to the bullpen when Brandon McCarthy and Trevor Cahill return from the disabled list next month, but he's done a solid job since joining the rotation on June 18. The 23-year-old Panamanian has posted a 33-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his first seven appearances (six starts). He faced the Giants as a rookie with the Atlanta Braves, allowing one run over six innings on Aug. 16, 2011.

Bumgarner has recorded six straight quality starts, including three victories in a row. He tossed seven innings for the sixth consecutive start on July 11, when he held the San Diego Padres to two runs on four hits. Aaron Hill is 4-for-10 with two home runs against Bumgarner, who is 4-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 12 career games (11 starts) versus Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks have lost 12 of their last 15 road games.

2. Giants SS Brandon Crawford is expected to return to the starting lineup Sunday after bruising his left foot in Friday's game.

3. Arizona RHP Will Harris has held opponents scoreless in 22 of his last 24 games.